September Newsletter
Dear Friend,
Happy Fall, y'all! Read about everything the Rutherford County Democratic Party did over the month of September, including our annual fall fundraiser, the Blue Harvest Bash. There's a lot to look forward to as we move into October, so make sure you're following us to stay in the loop!
Hometown Highlights
On September 6th, RCDP officers and members, including Second Vice Chair J.R. Marable and Commissioner Hope Oliver, attended the NAACP Murfreesboro Branch's Freedom Fund Gala at Middle Tennessee State University. Looking dazzling in their black-tie attire, it was an amazing night of coalition building and community celebration!
On September 13th, Chair Matt Fee and the Candidate Recruitment Committee hosted a Candidate Interest Meeting in La Vergne to discuss everything you need to know about local office, running a campaign, and building a team. Find out more information about the next one on October 23rd in the Community Connections section!
On September 14th, RCDP officers First Vice Chair Katrina Aguilar and Secretary Theo Baker attended Rutherford County Young Democrats' first event of the year, Field Day, in Smyrna! The event was in collaboration with Davidson County Young Democrats, and we are happy to announce that Rutherford County took home the winthat day. Field Day was spent building community and having some good-natured competitive fun.
On September 16th, the RCDP had its monthly True Blue Tuesday in La Vergne at Margarita House! Special guest Commissioner Hope Oliver joined us and offered warm remarks about the importance of speaking out against injustices around you. If you missed this True Blue Tuesday, that's alright! Find out more information about our next one on October 21st in the Community Connections section.
On September 20th, Chair Matt Fee and RCDP Executive Committee members tabled at the La Vergne Fall Festival! It was a very fun and festive community event with local vendors and organizations where we advertised the Blue Harvest Bash and future plans for the party.
On September 26th, the RCDP had our biggest event of the year, the Blue Harvest Bash! With live performances, a silent auction, incredible speakers, and more, it was an amazing night of building blue. Read more about the event, as well as how much money we raised, in the Building Blue section!
Building Blue
Y'all, we did the dang thing! Thank you so much to everyone who helped with and attended the Blue Harvest Bash on September 26th at Austin Audio Visual Design in Murfreesboro! We surpassed our $7,500 fundraising goal, and these funds are going to be directly invested in the community to increase voter turnout, help candidates with their campaigns, and improve party visibility across Rutherford County. There are so many people who made the event possible, but we need to especially shoutout:
Thank you to Philip and Carrie Austin, as well as their amazing team at Austin Audio Visual Design, for hosting the Blue Harvest Bash and helping us make this event so spectacular!
Thank you to our wonderful vendors The Taco Shop and The Rusty Lemon for the delicious meals and drinks. It is truly some of the best tacos and lemonade in Middle Tennessee!
Thank you to our spectacular DJ, King Coogi, and live performers Cade Spradlinand Ethan Younger for providing us with entertainment throughout the night!
Thank you to our extraordinary speakers Commissioner Dr. Hope Oliver, Cathy Carrillo, and Jermaine Cole, Jr.! Hearing your remarks and learning your stories were electrifying. We greatly appreciate you spending your Friday night with us.
Thank you to all the businesses and volunteers who donated items for the silent auction! It was a great way to showcase all the talent that exists right here in Middle Tennessee.
Thank you to our dedicated volunteers who assisted in setting up the venue, making decorations, selling merchandise and baked goods, and lending a helping hand where needed. This wouldn't have been possible without you!
Thank you to our wonderful chili cook-off contestants Tiffany Fee, Pat Clements, Ed Raymer, and our mystery 4th contestant for the delicious bowls of chili! Congratulations to Rutherford County's new Bean Queen Pat Clements!
We are very excited to announce that our September 16th True Blue Tuesday was a major success! If you missed us, that's okay. Come join us for our next True Blue Tuesday on October 21st from 6-8PM at Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q in Smyrna. RSVP by October 20th, so we can save you a seat! Appetizers are on us.
Interested in running for office or getting involved in a campaign? Join Chair Matt Fee and the Candidate Recruitment Committee on October 23rd at 7:00pm for their Candidate Interesting Meeting! The meeting will be held virtually and will discuss important foundational information about what it takes to run and manage a campaign. Sign up on Mobilize here.
Capitol Watch
State: We're just two days away from the Special Primaries for U.S. Congressional District 7! Early voting for these 14 counties was open from September 17th to October 2nd, and the Special Primary will be held on October 7th. If you live in Congressional District 7, now is the time to make that plan to vote! If you don't live in the district but still want to get involved, join Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood on their weekly phonebank to turn out the Democratic vote: sign up here.
Early Voting Democratic Turnout: 17,825
Early Voting Republican Turnout: 18,203
Want to know more about who's on the ballot? MORE INFORMATION HERE
Local: Republican leadership is hurting everyone, and Rutherford County is no exception. The Republican-driven government shutdown has shuttered the Stones River National Battlefield, threatening a $23.8 million hit to our local economy. This pause to visitor services and educational initiatives comes at the Battlefield's busiest time of year when programs and concerts are usually held on-site. By holding the government hostage, GOP leaders have closed our national treasures, disrupted tourism, and hurt small businesses that rely of park visitors. Who's surprised? We've seen this before. If the GOP don't get their way, the public pays the price. Read more about the impact of the shutdown here.
Blue Business Spotlight
It maybe be PSL season, but smoothies are all year round! Stop by Never Better Juice in Smyrna for a refreshing juice or smoothie, a delicious coffee, a tasty açaí bowl, or a quick bite for breakfast/on your lunch break! This local business is Latina-owned, striving to provide nutritious food and drinks to the Rutherford County community. Order ahead of time online here!
Learn more about the owner:
Luz, the owner of Never Better Juice, founded the business in April 2024. She moved to the United States from Guanajuato, Mexico, at 17 years old and is the proud mother of two daughters. She started Never Better Juice to make healthy options more accessible for the wider community; Luz understands that life can get busy, and taking the time and energy to make your own juice is not for everyone. Therefore, she aims to provide nutrient-rich products that not only taste delicious, but serve as a reminder to prioritize health and wellness. For her, health is more than fitting within a beauty standard. It is building strength from the inside-out.
Address: 246 S Lowry St, Smyrna, TN 37167
Website: https://neverbetterjuice.com/
Instagram: Follow today!
Phone Number: (615) 462-5688
Community Connections
RCDP Monthly Executive Committee Meeting
October 14, 2025 | 6:00-7:30PM | Virtual (Google Meet)
Stay up to date on what the RCDP is working on at our September monthly meeting! While only elected Executive Committee members may vote, all are welcome to attend and observe.
Murfreesboro Indivisible: No Kings Rally
October 18, 2025 | 2:00-4:00PM | Rutherford County Courthouse (Murfreesboro)
Join Murfreesboro Indivisible at their October No Kings Rally at the Rutherford County Courthouse (S Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130) for their peaceful protest of the Trump Administration. Sign up on Mobilize today for all the important information!
October 21, 2025 | 6:00-8:00PM | Jim 'N Nicks Bar-B-Q (Smyrna)
Join the RCDP for our monthly fundraising social! For the month of October, we will be in Smyrna. The RCDP will be purchasing appetizers. Make sure you RSVP by October 20th, so we can save you a seat!
RCDP Candidate Interest Meeting
October 23, 2025 | 7:00-8:30pm | Virtual (Google Meet)
Join Chair Matt Fee and the Candidate Recruitment Committee to learn about essential foundational knowledge on how to run, manage, and finance a campaign for local and state office.
October 25, 2025 | 9:00-11:00AM | Overall Street Trailhead (Murfreesboro)
Join the Rutherford County Democratic Women and Outdoor Murfreesboro to protect our beautiful trails! Outdoor Murfreesboro will provide the materials to pick up litter, but make sure you dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. Sign up today here.
TAPP Rutherford: Campaign Crash Course
November 14-16, 2025 | Times Vary | Cultivate Coworking (Murfreesboro)
Join Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood at their free three-day educational course about campaigns! How to organize, lead a campaign, and help elect progressive candidates! Sign up for the Rutherford session today, and find more information on the course times here.
